Tensions between Turkey and France have once again risen, this time over the detention of three mayors in Türkiye. The French Foreign Ministry expressed their “concerns” over the arrests, which drew the ire of Ankara. In response, the Turkish Foreign Ministry slammed France’s statements on Monday, calling them “unacceptable” and “baseless”.
The three mayors, who were elected in the southeastern provinces of Diyarbakır, Mardin, and Van, were taken into custody last week as part of a counter-terrorism investigation. They are accused of having links to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a designated terrorist organization by both Turkey and the European Union.
In a statement, the French Foreign Ministry expressed their concern over the “arrests of several elected representatives of Kurdish origin” and called on Türkiye to respect the principle of the rule of law and the right to a fair trial. However, the Turkish Foreign Ministry rejected these remarks, stating that the arrests were made in accordance with the law and that France should refrain from making “unfounded and biased statements”.
This exchange of words between the two countries is not new. In recent years, there have been several instances where France has criticized Türkiye’s actions, particularly in regards to human rights and freedom of expression. However, this time, Ankara’s response was swift and firm, showing their frustration with France’s interference in their domestic affairs.
It is important to note that the mayors were not arrested for their political views or activities, but rather for their alleged ties to a terrorist organization. The PKK has been responsible for numerous attacks on civilians and security forces in Türkiye, causing the loss of thousands of lives. The Turkish government has been actively fighting against the PKK and other terrorist groups, and the arrests of these mayors are part of these efforts.
Furthermore, the Turkish government has always emphasized the importance of the rule of law and the right to a fair trial. The mayors will have the opportunity to defend themselves in court and the judicial process will be carried out in accordance with the law. Therefore, the French Foreign Ministry’s concerns are unfounded and their interference in Türkiye’s internal affairs is unwarranted.
Moreover, it is disappointing to see France, a country that prides itself on democracy and human rights, making such statements without fully understanding the situation in Türkiye. The country has been facing numerous security threats, including terrorism, and it is crucial for the government to take necessary measures to protect its citizens. These arrests are not a political move, but a necessary step in ensuring the safety and security of the country.
It is also worth mentioning that Türkiye has been a victim of terrorism for decades, with the PKK being one of the main perpetrators. The country has been working tirelessly to combat terrorism and has made significant progress in recent years. It is unfair for France to make statements that undermine these efforts and show support for a designated terrorist organization.
In conclusion, the Turkish Foreign Ministry’s response to France’s statements is justified and necessary. The arrests of the three mayors are not a violation of human rights or the rule of law, but a necessary step in the fight against terrorism. It is time for France to understand the gravity of the situation and refrain from making biased and baseless statements. Türkiye will continue to protect its citizens and fight against all forms of terrorism, and it is important for other countries to support these efforts rather than criticize them.
